Wherever they are, Vietnamese communities around the world found ways to honor the homeland on September 2, carrying the same pride and longing for family.
THE HANOI TIMES — In Australia, the evening of National Day (September 2, local time) turned Melbourne’s heart into a little corner of Vietnam.
Around 200 young people gathered spontaneously, raising flags, singing familiar songs, and sharing the warmth of belonging.
Harry Au from Melbourne captured the moment on video and shared it exclusively with The Hanoi Times.
For Nhat Tan, 24, it was an unforgettable moment.
“I was walking near the State Library of Victoria when I heard Vietnamese music. A group of young people stood together, waving flags and playing revolutionary songs. In that instant, I felt as if I were standing back home on Ba Dinh Square,” he said.
At Flinders Street Station, Nhi Pham joined friends and fellow students in singing victory songs beneath the bright station lights.
“Everyone sang with pride. It felt like our voices were carrying across the ocean,” she said.
For Ly Bui, student ambassador at La Trobe University, the celebration was a reminder of the strength of connection.
“Even though we are far from home, the patriotic spirit feels stronger than ever. It is something we carry within us, wherever we go.”
Thousands of kilometers away in Prague, Czech Republic, the scene was just as moving. Hung Nguyen, visiting Europe, was surprised to see Vietnamese residents gather in a public square.
“They came in the traditional Vietnamese ao dai, formal suits, and even hats painted with the national flag," he said.
"The Vietnamese danced, waved flags, and celebrated with grace. It felt like a piece of Vietnam had come alive here,” he shared.
Hung Nguyen in Prague also recorded the vibrant celebration and sent it to The Hanoi Times.
Behind the flags, the songs, and the laughters was also the quiet ache of longing.
As one overseas Vietnamese reflected, “The National Day always reminds me of my family. Being far away makes the day more emotional, but it also deepens my pride. Even from thousands of kilometers away, I can still feel the same heartbeat of the nation.”
